ROAR! 2018 Talladega in April Preview

TALLADEGA PREVIEW APRIL 27, 2018

PRESENTED BY THE BFGOODRICH® RUGGED TERRAIN T/A® TIRE

THE TALLADEGA TAMER BRAD KESELOWSKI WILL LOOK TO EARN HIS SIXTH WIN AT THE SUPERSPEEDWAY

GEICO 500 PREVIEW I FIVE FAVORITES I THE 1985 DAYTONA 500 DALE INMAN SPOTLIGHT I JORDAN ANDERSON I PIT CREW PROFILE

AVAILABLE NOW: TALLADEGA

MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM UPDATES & POSTERS TWITTER @NPPMAG FACEBOOK NASCAR POLE POSITION

w e i v e r P e c a R y l k e e W !

R A RO

e r o t S p p A e h t n i r a o r : h c r a Se

p p a e h t d a o l n w do

n e v i r d e r u t a e f d n s a e n o e t c o s h e p h t a s d i n ! i R h A e p O b o R t a e h t e i r h w t n l l o i a t a m c i o l r f b e u s c r a p e r v i g r n i d d t u a l c k n o i , lo s e i w r e e r s c , R s A n C o S i t c i NA d e r p l , a s c i r w e o i t v s i e r h , p s e r u t a e e f m r e e h b c m s e t n m i a p , t n . e e t r n o o c m d n a s d a e spr

TRACK PRIMER SCHEDULE FRI., APR. 27

GENERAL TIRE 200 ARCA RACING SERIES – RACE NO. 4 START TIME: 5:00 P.M. (CDT) TELEVISION/RADIO: FOX SPORTS 1 / NONE 2016 WINNER: JUSTIN HALEY

Talladega SUperspeedway is a 2.66-mile track.

GETTY IMAGES

TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY FAST FACTS

RECORD BOOK

▶▶ Picking a Talladega winner can be just as difficult as handicapping the Daytona 500. A restrictor-plate track is always good for a shocking result every couple of years. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. proved as much last spring when he recorded his first career Cup Series victory at the 2.66-mile track. Team Penske drivers swept the races here in 2016, with Brad Keselowski taking the checkered flag in May and Joey Logano posting a win in October.

Keselowski, a five-time Talladega winner, is now the favorite to win here after Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s retirement at the end of last season.

▶▶ The Earnhardt family has 16 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series victories at Talladega Superspeedway. The late Dale Earnhardt leads the all-time win list with 10 while Dale Earnhardt Jr. has six. Brad Keselowski is the active leader with five wins.

RACE REWIND ▶▶ Ricky Stenhouse Jr. won his first Monster Energy Series race in the GEICO 500 at Talladega. He started from the pole, survived a nasty wreck that involved 16 cars, and then came out the winner after retaking the lead on the final lap.

SAT., APR. 28

SPARKS ENERGY 300 NASCAR XFINITY SERIES – RACE NO. 9 START TIME: 2:00 P.M. (CDT) TELEVISION/RADIO: FOX / MRN/SIRIUSXM 2017 WINNER: ARIC ALMIROLA

SUN., APR. 29

GEICO 500 MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES – RACE NO. 10 START TIME: 1:00 P.M. (CDT) TELEVISION/RADIO: FOX / MRN/SIRIUSXM 2017 WINNER: RICKY STENHOUSE JR.

TRACK FACTS LENGTH: 2.66 MILES (188 LAPS = 500 MILES) BACKSTRETCH: 4,000 FEET FRONTSTRETCH: 4,300 FEET BANKING IN TURNS: 33 DEGREES BANKING ON STRAIGHTAWAYS: VARIES FROM 2 TO 16.5 DEGREES FIRST RACE: SEPT. 14, 1969 – TALLADEGA 500 MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES QUALIFYING RECORD: BILL ELLIOTT, APRIL 30, 1987, 212.809 MPH RACE RECORD: MARK MARTIN, MAY 10, 1997, 188.354 MPH

TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018

0 0 5

ClearMinis Cle

™

^It's possible while taking Nexium® 24HR. Use as directed for 14 days to treat frequent heartburn. Do not take for more than 14 days or more often than every 4 months unless directed by a doctor. Not for immediate relief. †May take 1 to 4 days for full effect. All Nexium® 24HR products have the same effectiveness.

The stylized No. 3 and the RCR checkered flag logo are registered trademarks of RCR Enterprises, LLC. Ty Dillon’s name, likeness, signature and the TD stylized logo are registered trademarks of Ty Dillon. All trademarks and the likeness of the No. 3 race car are used under license from their owners.

RACE PREVIEW

Talladega always offers the threat of “The Big One”.

GETTY IMAGES

LIVING ON THE EDGE DRIVERS WILL LOOK TO AVOID CATASTROPHE AT ‘DEGA

BY JARED TURNER

L

et the madness ensue.

No driver, crew chief, fan or anyone else expects anything less in Sunday’s GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway — a track synonymous with insanely close racing, wild finishes, frightening crashes and even the occasional surprise winner.

One of only two restrictor plate tracks on the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series

schedule, Talladega offers an exciting and downright chaotic brand of racing seen only four times in a season.

While picking a winner is darn near impossible at a place where just about anyone can get to the front with the right push in the draft, there are some drivers who stand out as prohibitive favorites. One is Roush Fenway Racing’s Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who nabbed Monster Energy Series career victory No. 1 last spring on Talladega’s lightning fast 2.66-mile layout.

Stenhouse — who backed up his Talladega triumph by winning in July at TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018

0 0 7

g

EASY DOES DID IT.

.

GO AHEAD, BUILD IT! MULTI-PROCESS WELDER

PLASMA CUTTER

Forney Easy Weld 140 MP

Forney Easy Weld 20 P

MIG, Stick and TIG $369.99

g

FLUX-CORED INVERTER WELDER

STICK/TIG WELDER

Forney Easy Weld 140 FC-i

Forney Easy Weld 100 ST

Simple, efficient and cuts up to1/4”

Superior performance and efficiency

Under 10 pounds, welds up to 1/8” electrodes

Proven transformer technology

$369.99

$199.99

$179.99

$179.99

g

g

g

Visit forneyeasyweld.com to learn more about our new machines.

FORNEYEASYWELD.COM

FLUX-CORED WELDER

Forney Easy Weld 125 FC

g

RACE PREVIEW

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. has faired well at restrictor plate tracks of late.

GETTY IMAGES

Daytona, NASCAR’s other restrictor-plate track — understandably has high expectations for Sunday afternoon’s no-holds-barred affair on the Alabama high banks.

“Heading to Talladega is something I’m excited about,” Stenhouse said. “It’s always fun to go back and try to defend our race win.

That’s something I always enjoyed in the Xfinity Series

is going to a racetrack where you were the last winner of that race, so it’ll be fun to get back there. It’s always cool having a bunch of friends and family come in town for that one, as well, so I always look forward to Talladega.”

Not quite as upbeat but carrying considerably more momentum into the weekend is Kyle Busch, a winner of the past three

races including last Saturday night’s showdown under the lights at Richmond.

Busch, who earned a lone Talladega victory in 2008, isn’t overly optimistic about his chances of scoring a second Talladega win and fourth consecutive Monster Energy Series Series victory this weekend.

“I think it’s easier to win the Power Ball than win at Talladega,” said Busch, the

TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018

0 0 9

Healthier Brain. Better Life.

Prevagen® is America’s best-selling brain support supplement ‡ and has been clinically shown to help with mild memory problems associated with aging.*

Available at fine stores everywhere. ‡

According to 2017 Nielsen data.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

RACE PREVIEW 2015 series champion. “We’ll give it a go anyway, see what we get. It’s been a great year thus far. We had a rough start at Daytona. From there on out, we’ve been really strong. We just got to keep it rolling. Talladega is always never really in the driver’s hands; it’s kind of always in fate’s hands. We’ll just take what we can get.”

One driver looking to win for the first time at Talladega is Kyle Larson, who, like Busch, makes no bones about how much uncertainty the track’s familiar threeand four-wide pack racing creates. That pack racing, of course, isn’t just for a few laps. It’s from the drop of the green flag until the checkered flag. Such is life at the plate tracks.

“There’s always a bit of anxiousness when you’re headed to Talladega,” Larson said. “I haven’t historically run great at restrictor plate races, but our shop has made some real gains on the

Kyle Busch’s lone win at Talladega came in 2008.

GETTY IMAGES

superspeedway cars. I think a few years of plate racing has helped improved my racing at those tracks. This weekend, we’ll be looking to do what we can to get up front, earn some stage points, have some luck and be in a position for a good finish.”

Larson’s Chip Ganassi Racing teammate, Jamie McMurray, has a similar mindset about the upcoming event.

“Talladega is always a

wild-card race,” he said.

“I have been fortunate enough to win a couple of times at Talladega, but it is usually a matter of luck to be at the right place, at the right time.”

If nothing else, Sunday’s race should provide quite the viewing spectacle.

“Talladega is crazy,” said seven-time Monster Energy Series champion Jimmie Johnson, a two-time Talladega winner. “It’s about survival. It should be great

TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018

0 1 1

Y R T

FAST PAIN RELIEF IS NOW MIGHTY SMALL

Easy to Swallow 33% Smaller Same Strength Use as directed.

© 2018 Pfizer Inc. LIQUI-GELS is a trademark or registered trademark of Catalent Pharma Solutions. ®

5 TO WATCH

Brad Keselpwski

Joey Logano

FIVE TO WATCH AT TALLADEGA

BY JARED TURNER

▶▶ Brad Keselowski has in recent years established himself as NASCAR’s newest restrictor-plate king, having earned five victories at Talladega and one at Daytona. If there’s such a thing as a favorite on Sunday, he’s it. ▶▶ Not far behind Keselowski in terms of recent success at Talladega is Team Penske teammate Joey Logano, a winner of two of the past five races at the 2.66-mile track. Logano finished fourth at ‘Dega last fall. ▶▶ Ricky Stenhouse Jr. earned Monster Energy Series career victory No. 1 last spring at Talladega, and then proved it was no fluke by winning the July race at Daytona. Stenhouse shouldn’t be overlooked this weekend. ▶▶ Over his years as a driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr. achieved greatness at Talladega, where he won six races and was beloved like no other. Alex Bowman, Earnhardt’s replacement in the No. 88, has an opportunity to continue his predecessor’s success. ▶▶ Even though recent success at other tracks doesn’t mean much at Talladega, Kyle Busch comes into the weekend riding the momentum of three consecutive wins. He’s a past ‘Dega winner, too, so he should definitely factor into the mix.

PREVIEW PREDICTIONS DRIVER TO BEAT: BRAD KESELOWSKI TEAM TO BEAT: TEAM PENSKE SLEEPER: ALEX BOWMAN

TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018

0 1 3

2018 NASCAR SERIES STANDINGS MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES NO. DRIVER

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41

PTS.

WINS

KYLE BUSCH 415 3 KEVIN HARVICK 324 3 CLINT BOWYER 329 1 MARTIN TRUEX JR. 284 1 AUSTIN DILLON 208 1 JOEY LOGANO 359 0 BRAD KESELOWSKI 303 0 DENNY HAMLIN 286 0 RYAN BLANEY 282 0 KURT BUSCH 282 0 KYLE LARSON 279 0 ARIC ALMIROLA 248 0 ERIK JONES 233 0 ALEX BOWMAN 209 0 JIMMIE JOHNSON 200 0 WILLIAM BYRON 192 0 RYAN NEWMAN 186 0 PAUL MENARD 183 0 RICKY STENHOUSE JR. 176 0 CHASE ELLIOTT 175 0 DANIEL SUAREZ 161 0 DARRELL WALLACE JR. 160 0 AJ ALLMENDINGER 160 0 JAMIE MCMURRAY 158 0 CHRIS BUESCHER 130 0 TREVOR BAYNE 126 0 MICHAEL MCDOWELL 121 0 DAVID RAGAN 121 0 TY DILLON 112 0 MATT DIBENEDETTO 112 0 KASEY KAHNE 109 0 GRAY GAULDING 56 0 COLE WHITT 62 0 D.J. KENNINGTON 38 0 LANDON CASSILL 37 0 JEFFREY EARNHARDT 28 0 HARRISON RHODES 23 0 MARK THOMPSON 15 0 REED SORENSON 15 0 COREY LAJOIE 14 0 BRENDAN GAUGHAN 9 0

NASCAR XFINITY SERIES NO. DRIVER

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41

PTS.

WINS

CHRISTOPHER BELL 282 1 TYLER REDDICK 280 1 ELLIOTT SADLER 311 0 DANIEL HEMRIC 273 0 JUSTIN ALLGAIER 263 0 COLE CUSTER 263 0 RYAN TRUEX 242 0 SPENCER GALLAGHER 228 0 BRANDON JONES 227 0 MATT TIFFT 213 0 RYAN REED 211 0 ROSS CHASTAIN 182 0 AUSTIN CINDRIC 171 0 MICHAEL ANNETT 143 0 KAZ GRALA 138 0 JEREMY CLEMENTS 137 0 ALEX LABBE 137 0 RYAN SIEG 133 0 GARRETT SMITHLEY 124 0 JOEY GASE 119 0 J.J. YELEY 76 0 DAVID STARR 74 0 SPENCER BOYD 68 0 VINNIE MILLER 61 0 STEPHEN LEICHT 57 0 JEFF GREEN 33 0 CHAD FINCHUM 25 0 RYAN PREECE 126 1 JOHN H. NEMECHEK 110 0 JOSH WILLIAMS 86 0 CHASE BRISCOE 74 0 B.J. MCLEOD 74 0 DYLAN LUPTON 71 0 TOMMY JOE MARTINS 64 0 JOSH BILICKI 41 0 KYLE BENJAMIN 34 0 SHANE LEE 34 0 JEB BURTON 32 0 CAESAR BACARELLA 24 0 TIMMY HILL 24 0 BRANDON BROWN 19 0

NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES NO. DRIVER

1 JOHNNY SAUTER 2 BRETT MOFFITT 3 GRANT ENFINGER 4 BEN RHODES 5 NOAH GRAGSON 6 STEWART FRIESEN 7 MATT CRAFTON 8 MYATT SNIDER 9 DALTON SARGEANT 10 AUSTIN HILL 11 JUSTIN HALEY 12 CODY COUGHLIN 13 JUSTIN FONTAINE 14 WENDELL CHAVOUS 15 JORDAN ANDERSON 16 AUSTIN SELF 17 ROBBY LYONS 18 NORM BENNING 19 JENNIFER COBB 20 SPENCER DAVIS 21 JOE NEMECHEK 22 KORBIN FORRISTER 23 PARKER KLIGERMAN 24 JESSE LITTLE 25 DAVID GILLILAND 26 JOSH REAUME 27 TODD GILLILAND 28 SCOTT STENZEL 29 CLAY GREENFIELD 30 TIMOTHY PETERS 31 HARRISON BURTON 32 BO LE MASTUS 33 CORY ROPER 34 REID WILSON 35 DAWSON CRAM 36 BRYAN DAUZAT 37 MICHEL DISDIER 38 BAYLEY CURREY 39 TYLER MATTHEWS 40 KYLE DONAHUE 41 MIKE SENICA

PTS.

WINS

181 1 150 1 152 0 148 0 146 0 122 0 122 0 118 0 118 0 100 0 95 0 87 0 82 0 81 0 76 0 70 0 67 0 49 0 38 0 94 0 65 0 45 0 41 0 38 0 34 0 34 0 32 0 32 0 31 0 30 0 30 0 27 0 24 0 21 0 20 0 19 0 18 0 17 0 16 0 14 0 12 0

ORANGE BLOCKED OUT AREAS SHOW EACH OF NASCAR SERIES TOP CONTENDERS

TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018

0 1 5

TH E STRONG , S I LE NT T YPE .

B F G O O D R I C H ® RU G GED T ER R A I N T/A ® T I R ES .

Rollback

April 25th - July 24th

The BFGoodrich

®

Rugged Terrain T/A

®

on Rollback starting at

79

$

ARE YOU DRIVER ENOUGH?

™

Just because a tire looks good on your truck doesn’t mean you have to hear about it on the highway. Introducing the BFGoodrich® Rugged Terrain T/A® tire – it sounds nothing like it looks.

Learn more at Walmart.com.

BFGoodrichTires.com

© 2017 MNA, Inc. All rights reserved.

SPOTLIGHT

A SPEED CRATE SURPRISE FANS RECEIVE PACKAGES IN MAIL RELATED TO FAVORITE DRIVERS

F

or NASCAR fans, it’s a lot like Christmas. The only differences? The gifts come 10 months out of the year instead of just one, and they’re wrapped in a Speed Crate instead of a box.

By signing up and picking a driver at the Speed Crate website, https://speedcrate. co/, fans receive a monthly shipment of 4-5 - (3-5) items related to their driver of choice.

Speed Crate delivers right to your front door via the United States postal service.

Monthly subscriptions are priced at just $29.99, and the items in each monthly shipment amount to more than $50 in retail value. Items include apparel (shirts, hats, socks, etc.), accessories (credential holders, car decals, travel coffee mugs, lanyards, koozies, pens, flags, etc.) and much more.

Speed Crate was launched last summer

by Charlotte-based entrepreneur Bryan Cox, who started out with about 500 TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018

0 1 7

SPOTLIGHT

SPECIAL DELIVERY: A fan of Ryan Blaney could receive a Speed Crate package that includes 4-5 items such as shirts, hats, socks, credential holders, car decals, travel coffee mugs, lanyards, pens or flags. Courtesy Photo

TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018

0 1 8

SPOTLIGHT

subscribers. That number has since nearly quadrupled.

“We’re really growing every day, which is really cool to see,” Cox said. “We know that we’ve really just scratched the surface of where we can go with it, because every day we have people inquiring, ‘What is Speed Crate? Where do I sign up?’ And all that stuff. So, we’re still really just being

introduced at this point.”

Fans never know exactly what they will find in a Speed Crate. They just know that all products in a Speed Crate come from officially licensed NASCAR partners and manufacturers.

“It changes every month,” Cox said. “We don’t do any duplicates. Our big thing is we’re not going to send you the same item twice.”

While Speed Crate’s inventory of NASCAR collectibles and paraphernalia is made up mostly of items you might find in souvenir trailers at the track, Speed Crate has expanded this season to include more custom-style merchandise. – a large portion of the items are actually not available at the track and many are custom so they cannot be found any where besides Speed Crate, not online or at the track For example, Alex Bowman — the new driver of the No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet — recently donated some autographed Hero Cards that 10 lucky fans would receive in a future Speed Crate.

TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018

0 1 9

SPOTLIGHT

A Kyle Larson fan could receive a monthly Speed Crate package that includes items similar to the ones shown above. Courtesy Photo TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018

0 2 0

SPOTLIGHT “We think that the more we can just provide really cool products that fans want, the more Speed Crate will grow,” Cox said.

“That’s kind of what we’re doing.”

Speed Crate originally featured just 12 drivers from whom subscribers could choose. Now there are 20 active drivers and one retired driver — NASCAR’s 15-time most popular driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Subscriptions are on a month-to-month basis, and subscribers are free to change drivers at any time. Tired of getting Chase Elliott gear, for example? You can switch to Brad Keselowski or someone else with a simple click — and not be charged extra. Speed Crate ships items FebruaryNovember and takes a break in December and January to beef up its inventory for the upcoming NASCAR season.

Perhaps the best news of all? Speed Crate is looking to broaden its inventory even more in the months and years to come.

“People want die-casts and some other items that aren’t the easiest to get, and we’re working hard to make that happen,” Cox said. “We’re listening to the feedback and making sure we’re kind of adjusting with what people want to see.”

TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018

0 2 1

SPOTLIGHT

Alex Bowman has become a popular driver of choice for NASCAR fans who receive Speed Crate shipments.

TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018

0 2 2

NASCAR DEFINED

Kevin Harvick’s hot start to the 2018 season has made him a popular driver of choice for Speed Crate customers. Courtesy Photo

TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018

0 2 3

THE MOST VERSATILE ADJUSTABLE HITCH ON THE MARKET

Rhino Hitch products are both beautiful and strong, like our namesake animal. If you have been searching for the best custom adjustable hitch for your truck, then look no further!

www.rhinohitch.com

HALL OF FAME SPOTLIGHT: DALE INMAN

HALL OF FAME SPOTLIGHT: DALE INMAN

BY KEITH WALTZ

F

or nearly three decades, Dale Inman defined the role of a crew chief in NASCAR’s premier stock car series.

The nephew of early NASCAR Cup Series champion Lee Petty, Inman grew up playing with his cousins Richard and Maurice Petty at the Petty Enterprises race shop in Level Cross, North Carolina.

As teenagers, the boys would attend some of the races and work on Lee Petty’s cars

Dale and Mary Inman in 2012 at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images for NASCAR)

after school and on weekends.

Richard Petty started driving race cars in the late 1950s with Maurice Petty and Inman as part of his crew.

Eventually, Maurice Petty was assigned to build engines for the team and Inman assumed the role of Richard Petty’s crew chief.

Many credit Inman for being the first in his position to focus on car preparation. He also played a key role in bringing driver-crew TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018

0 2 5

“Victory Never Tasted So Good!”

Find Us In Your Local Grocer’s Freezer! www.bubbafoods.com

HALL OF FAME SPOTLIGHT: DALE INMAN

chief radio communication to the sport.

Together, Petty and Inman won 198 NASCAR Cup Series races and seven championships. Their most impressive season was in 1967 when they won 27 races, including a string of 10 in a row.

Inman left Petty Enterprises in the early 1980s and guided Terry Labonte to the

Dale Inman and Richard Petty in 1967. (Photo from ISC Archives via Getty Images

1984 championship.

He returned to the Petty operation in 1986 and officially retired in 1998, but continued with the team as a consultant.

Inman was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2012.

TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018

0 2 7

TERRY ADAMS

PROFESSIONAL BMX FLATLAND RIDER

Whether you’re a world-class athlete or a weekend warrior, you can trust Tiger Balm for proven, pill-free pain relief. It's the world's #1 selling pain relieving ointment made from a blend of herbal ingredients.* Visit us at facebook.com/TigerBalmUS or tigerbalm.com for your nearest retailer.

*Based upon annual units of ointment sold worldwide.

DRIVER PROFILE: JORDAN ANDERSON Jordan Anderson started a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team this season. (Photo by Getty Images for NASCAR)

GOING HIS OWN WAY JORDAN ANDERSON STARTED THE NO. 3 NCWTS TEAM FROM SCRATCH

BY JOSEPH WOLKIN

J

ordan Anderson made the bold move to start his own NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team this year. His first race as a full-time trucker ended with a top10 finish at the famed Daytona International Speedway. Now, he’s ready to make his No. 3 team a weekly contender.

What has the journey been like as you try to grow your own team?

“It has certainly been an amazing journey already, and we are only two months into our first season as a team. It’s really opened my eyes to how blessed I am to have so

many people behind us that are helping to make this dream a reality. My biggest goal from day one was to build this team on integrity, and we’ve worked hard to race within our means and grow every time we go to the race track. It’s a perfect example that in racing, much like in life, that no matter how rough the waves around you get, you have to embrace the journey that you’re on and never give up.”

What’s the biggest challenge you face about owning your own team?

“The biggest challenge is battling the fact that in December 2017, we had absolutely nothing. So to go from that standpoint, to being in the process of building two more trucks where we are now, we have to really count our blessings. Since there’s only three of us in the shop full-time, including myself, we’ve tried to focus on getting more parts and get the trucks that we are racing as complete as possible so we won’t be switching parts back and forth later this summer.”

TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018

0 2 9

KEEP THE OUTSIDE OUTSIDE.

DON’T LET WHAT’S OUT THERE GET IN HERE.

Protect your family from 98% of dust, dirt and allergens.* INSTALL IN

15 MINUTES

*Road, dust and pollen particles ranging in size from 5 - 100 microns. Average install time of 15 minutes; some makes and models may vary.

ARM & HAMMER, the ARM & HAMMER logo and distinct orange trade dress are trademarks of Church & Dwight Co., Inc. and used under license by FRAM Group IP LLC.

CABIN AIR FILTERS

CREW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Robert Fairweather is an underneath mechanic for Furniture Row Racing.

Courtesy Photo

A SUNNY DISPOSITION FAIRWEATHER ENJOYS WORKING WITH FURNITURE ROW

BY BEN WHITE

R

obert Fairweather, underneath mechanic for Furniture Row Racing and driver Martin Truex Jr., saw his first NASCAR race with his family when they visited Pocono Raceway in 1998.

“I’m originally from upstate New York so Pocono is a pretty close track for us,” Fairweather said. “It’s probably an hour-anda-half from where I lived.”

Fairweather raced small four-wheel machines and eventually worked his way to stock cars on the many dirt and asphalt tracks around his home in upstate New York and Pennsylvania.

“I actually grew up racing go-karts and big block modifieds and went from there,” Fairweather said. “We did a lot of traveling. I drove virtually anything with wheels. If it had wheels and a motor, I was definitely in it or on it.”

He moved to North Carolina right after graduation from high school in 2008. He had friends that worked in NASCAR and wanted to be a part of the sport. He worked a lot of jobs in the garage and gained experience with many NASCAR teams including GMS Racing, Tri-Star Motorsports, SR2 Motorsports and Turn One Racing. He joined Furniture Row Racing at the end of 2016.

These days, he specializes in springs, shocks, rear-ends, drive shafts, drive trains-anything that pertains to the car’s suspension.

“I am the underneath mechanic. I take care of everything under the car,” Fairweather said. “During the week we get all of our parts and pieces for the next race track. I look over the cars and help in the shop as much as we can to get the cars ready.”

He’s proud to say he will forever be known as part of the 2017 Cup series championship TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018

0 3 1

CREW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT team with Furniture Row Racing.

EXTRA LAPS WITH ROBERT FAIRWEATHER RELATIONSHIP: SINGLE HOMETOWN: WESTBROOKVILLE, NEW YORK FAVORITE VACATION SPOT: A LAKE ANYWHERE FAVORITE SEASON: SUMMER AND FALL FAVORITE HOLIDAY: THANKSGIVING FAVORITE TV SHOW: BASS MASTER ELITE SERIES FAVORITE MOVIE: TOP GUN

“I’ve enjoyed working on the car more than I’ve enjoyed driving, honestly. I like working on them, learning the ins and outs of the cars. I’m always willing to learn more and try different things. ”

TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018

0 3 3

Adopt A Cop USA programs help improve the relationship between children and law enforcement officers in our schools and community.

AAC/USA programs and activities contribute to positively influencing communication and trust within the communities the officers serve.

MYAACUSA.ORG

DONATE NOW FOR A CHANCE

TOTHIS WIN

NIGHTVISION SCOPE ATN Thor HD 19mm Smart ThermalRiflescope

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS GREAT OFFER GO TO GO.RALLYUP.COM/STOPTHEVIOLENCE

SPOTLIGHT

MSG: MAKING RACING SAFER

BY DAN GUTTENPLAN

M

otorsports Safety Group is a collaboration of innovators in the sport who are determined to improve the safety of racing. MSG shares tips for race car drivers and fans to help avoid injuries during races and practice sessions.

Acknowledged as one of the country’s leading neurosurgeons, Dr. Jason Cormier has helped MSG provide a comprehensive, grassroots marketing campaign focused on preventative health care education and wellness training.

With an emphasis to educate and engage

race fans in their growing role as health care consumers, the objective is to influence behavioral changes, to provide racing’s brand-loyal audience with the medical knowledge to make informed, preventative decisions that directly affect the wellness of their families.

“From the perspective of the fan, the first question to ask is whether you packed appropriately to prepare for the racetrack,” Cormier said. “Your health doesn’t start with us; it starts with you. Did you show up hydrated on a hot day? Did you consume anything that might be detrimental to your health like fried foods, processed foods or alcoholic beverages on an empty stomach.

Have you had annual check-ups which include TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018

0 3 5

SPOTLIGHT your heart, blood pressure, cholesterol, electrolytes, etc.? Are you following the advice of your family doctor or internist?”

In addition to being a racing fan, Cormier also races go-karts at top speeds of up to 130 mph. He has established relationships with multiple racing organizations, such as ARCA, NASCAR and Formula 1. His collaboration with other safety organizations like the International Council of Motorsports Sciences, Motorsports Safety Education Foundation, After the Impact Fund, Race Go Safer, and Think First has created an important platform for an ever-growing prosperity of safety informational exchange.

“I still race professionally, so my goal is to provide safety tips to drivers, pit crew and loyal fans that come out every weekend,” Cormier said. “While the sport has dangers, we can take precautions to provide a measure of safety.”

With his surgical background, Cormier has been able to engage companies to establish new technologies to diagnose and rehabilitate head injuries. He is now focusing his efforts on prevention.

One particular piece of technology that has Cormier excited is Q30 Innovations’ Q-Collar.

Q-Collar’s technology has been approved for sale in Canada, where it is being marketed as the Bauer Neuroshield. The company has been around for more than seven years,

and the data collection remains third party.

This means that the company is unable to manipulate the data, which ensures the accuracy of the efficacy and outcomes.

This promising research into concussion prevention is inspired by human yawns, woodpecker tongues and mountain-dwelling rams. The manifestation of this work is the novel Q-Collar, a device worn around the neck that works by enhancing the brain’s own physiology by lightly compressing the jugular vein to increase blood volume in the skull.

That may help prevent the brain from moving around within the skull and thus could reduce traumatic brain injuries.

The Q-Collar is actively being evaluated with consideration for its involvement in motorsports. The Q-Collar is already worn by professional athletes in other forms of high contact sports like football, hockey, soccer and even the military.

“I am particularly excited with the possibility of driver athletes, in varying age groups, being able to embrace this novel technology,” Cormier said. “There are exciting nuances with the collar that we think could have an important role with regards to helping on the preventive side of concussions, and part of the technology is established on nature’s physiological advantages found in other animals and human beings.

“This collar provides a small defined amount TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018

0 3 6

SPOTLIGHT

of pressure over the neck muscles which, in effect, engages a ligament to react similarly to what a battle ram experiences. In the battle ram, this band causes a small reduction in blood flow from the brain which creates an internal air bag, which apparently protects this species from brain injuries.”

Through Cormier’s work with racecar drivers, he has found that very few have the desire to alter their racing styles, so preventative measures are best taken before the racing begins.

“We deal with brain injuries all the time,

ranging from mild to more severe,” Cormier said. “Those predispose you to the longterm effects of brain injury. The diagnosis of concussions is certainly key to taking the racer athlete out of the contest and providing rest. The appropriate rest will help provide longevity in the sport and additionally create an environment whereby transitioning into retirement occurs with their faculties intact.

This allows one to both enjoy and remember their retirement. That’s something we’re promoting from the Motorsports Safety Group standpoint.”

TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018

0 3 7

Your Beer Experience Needs a Tune-Up

Professional Draft. Personal Touch.

We deliver a bar-quality pour with the superior taste only draft beer can deliver, giving you the exibility to oer anything from American lagers to hyper-local craft microbrews in backyards and parking lots everywhere.

SPOTLIGHT PRESENTED BY

The Oliva family tobacco business started in Cuba in 1886. Courtesy Photo

OLIVA MEANS QUALITY

W

hat began as a tobacco growing business in Cuba over 130 years ago, today has evolved into one of the world’s best cigar manufacturers. Melanio Oliva began growing tobacco in the fertile Pinar del Rio of Cuba in 1886.

Melanio’s son Hipolito took over from his father in 1920 eventually passing it on to his son Gilberto Oliva, Sr.

who continued the farming until Castro forced him out. Resourceful, Gilberto became a tobacco broker allowing him to travel and emigrate eventually to Nicaragua.

By 1969, Gilberto was growing tobacco once again, this time in Nicaragua whose rich soil and climate was close to that of his homeland. Ten years later the Sandanista revolution in

Nicaragua forced Gilberto to grow his tobacco elsewhere.

By 1995, with stability back in Nicaragua, Gilberto moved home to Esteli, and resumed his growing and added cigar making to his portfolio. After the cigar boom in the 90s, Gilberto continued making cigars, but being cash strapped like others after the boom, he was able to push ahead by using all the Nicaraguan tobacco

TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018

0 4 0

SPOTLIGHT

he had been accumulating.

His tobacco forced a change in the Oliva blends to all Nicaraguan tobacco and improved his quality.

The company’s offerings improved year after year.

By 2005, Oliva was being honored by Cigar Aficionado in its top 10 cigars of the year with the Oliva Serie O Classic scoring a 91. The following year, the Oliva Serie G Cameroon made the list of best cigars of the year with a 91. That same year,

Oliva released its Serie V to great acclaim and in 2007 it was rated 4th best cigar with a 93 rating.

Oliva cigars continually ranks as one of the best cigars of the year. In 2012, the family released a new Serie V the Melanio edition to honor the man who started it all. Two years later in 2014, the Serie V Melanio would be named the Cigar of the Year with a 96 rating! Near perfection. Just this year, the Serie V rated a 95 and

was the number 3 cigar of the year for 2017.

In addition, to the highly rated Serie cigars, Oliva also makes the Nub, which also makes the year’s best cigar list. In fact, Oliva cigars have remained on Cigar Aficionado’s top 25 cigars of the year for 12 years straight.

On top of that, Oliva believes in keeping prices in check.

The company’s cigars start at under $4 and go up to about $15. The highly rated Serie V belicoso is just over $8.00 depending on local taxes.

TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018

0 4 1

For security and peace of mind, count on the Honda EG2800i Inverter Generator. It provides quiet power, long run times and a 30A receptacle for easy connection to a transfer switch. And at only 67 lbs., it’s trusted, portable home backup and DIY power where you need it, when you need it— for your home, and life. Find out more at gen.honda.com.

Please read the owner’s manual before operating your Honda Power Equipment and never use in an enclosed or partially enclosed area where you could be exposed to odorless, poisonous carbon monoxide. Connection of a generator to house power requires a transfer device to avoid possible injury to power company personnel. Consult a qualified electrician. Specifications subject to change without notice. © 2018 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

ON THE ROAD PRESENTED BY

CRST Expedited has over 4,000 Company Drivers in the U.S. Courtesy Photo

MAKE A #LANECHANGE!

C

RST Expedited is one of the nation’s leading transportation companies. We have grown to be one of the largest transportation companies in the U.S., with over 1,200 office employees, 4,000 Company Drivers and 2,500 Independent Contractors.

Our mission drives the decisions we make each day: ▶▶ A long standing history of financial stability,

generated from revenue growth and profitability ▶▶ Outstanding customer service and a commitment to value for our customers ▶▶ Core value instilled in our fleet of “Safety First” ▶▶ An investment in our people to ensure we have an engaged, dedicated workforce with advancement opportunities for the next generation of leadership.

Become a professional truck driver with CRST Expedited, the largest team carrier in the nation.

We offer more miles, money and guaranteed home time! We hire experienced Class A CDL drivers, those looking to get into the industry, and everyone in between!

Explore the country from a unique perspective while earning money.

TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018

0 4 4

ON THE ROAD

HIRING Students – Company Sponsored Training Program to get your Class A CDL! Raises every month your first year!

Recent Graduates – Get experience on the road with tuition reimbursement. Up to 7 raises your first year.

Experienced Drivers – Create your own career path.

Be a lead driver and train the next generation while earning more.

Lease Purchase – NO credit check or money down.

BENEFITS INCLUDE: ▶▶ Affordable top-carrier medical, dental, and life insurance ▶▶ Matched 401(k) plan ▶▶ Hundreds of new trucks with late-model equipment ▶▶ Industry-leading safety program CRST Expedited has been

awarded the Silver Military Friendly Employer in 2018 due to our commitment to hire Veterans and Active Military Reservists. Our Military Apprenticeship Program pays for your service in extra pay, and a bonus, all while you earn your Class A CDL. Must be at least 21 years old.

Call to get started today!

866-809-7374 Apply at JoinCRST.com

TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018

0 4 5

Make a #LaneChange Become a professional truck driver with CRST Expedited, the largest team carrier in the nation. We offer more miles, more money and guaranteed hometime!

We hire experienced Class A CDL drivers, those looking to get into the industry, and everyone in between! Explore the country from a unique perspective while earning money.

CURRENTLY HIRING: •

•

STUDENTS – Get your Class A CDL with our Company Sponsored Training Program! Raises every month your first year!

RECENT GRADUATES – Get experience on the road with tuition reimbursement. Up to 7 raises your first year.

•

EXPERIENCED DRIVERS – Create your own career path. Be a lead driver and train the next generation while earning more.

•

LEASE PURCHASE – Become your own boss with no credit check and no money down.

BENEFITS INCLUDE: • • • •

Affordable top-carrier medical, dental, and life insurance Matched 401(k) plan Hundreds of new trucks with late-model equipment Industry-leading safety program CRST Expedited has been awarded the Silver Military Friendly Employer in 2018 due to our commitment to hire Veterans and Active Military Reservists. Our Military Apprenticeship Program pays for your service in extra cents per mile, and a bonus, all while you earn your Class A CDL.

MUST BE AT LEAST 21 YEARS OLD Call a recruiter to get started today!

866-809-7374

Apply now at JoinCRST.com

OUTDOORS UNLIKE ANY COOLER YOU HAVE EVER SEEN

WANDERER 30 & 45 QT • • • • •

Wearable cooler with comfortable and ventilated straps Tough and Lightweight Built in Bluetooth waterproof speaker Solar Charger and USB charging port Can hold ice for 7 days

SOLAR

POWERED CHARGING

STATION

ORDER YOURS TODAY AT

SOLAR

NEANDERTHAL TAILGATE.COM

POWERED

NEANDERTHAL OUTDOORS

STATION

410-453-6760

CHARGING

SEAL THE DEAL Bill Elliott won the 1985 Daytona 500.

GETTY IMAGES

PRESENTED BY

A DOMINANT PERFORMANCE ELLIOTT DOMINATES ’85 DAYTONA 500

BY BEN WHITE

O

n Feb. 17, 1985, Bill Elliott, driver of the Melling Racing Ford, entered the Daytona 500 as a heavy favorite to win NASCAR’s premier race of the season.

The Dawsonville, Ga. native won the pole at a then-record speed of 205.114 miles per hour and almost lapped the field in one of two 125mile qualifying races. In the 500, he sealed the deal by leading 136 of the race’s 200 laps.

Neil Bonnett, Elliott’s closest competition, was challenging for the lead but spun when his engine expired while running second with

only four laps remaining. Engine issues also sidelined former Daytona 500 winners David Pearson, AJ Foyt, Benny Parsons, Bobby Allison, and two-time defending race winner Cale Yarborough.

NASCAR officials forced Elliott to pit for nearly two minutes to fix a broken headlight assembly, and the pit stop sent him to third place. But Elliott quickly made up for lost time, and made his way back to the front.

He excelled through the late caution flag for Bonnett’s spin and went on to win his firstcareer Daytona 500.

“What this means is beyond words,” Elliott said in victory lane, according to Greg Fieldsn’s 40 Years of Stock Car Racing series. “We’ve worked real hard during the winter, done our TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018

0 4 8

SPOTLIGHT

Coolant leak failures can be repaired with K-Seal.

NOT YOUR GRANDFATHER’S STOP LEAK

C

oolant leak failures are one of the most common reasons for roadside breakdowns. It’s that dreaded feeling when you realize that you’ve got a coolant leak. Maybe it’s the radiator, or the water pump, or worse – the head or the block. You’re likely looking at a bill of hundreds or maybe thousands of dollars to get your vehicle

back on the road.

In the past, the early days, you may have been told to try adding pepper, egg, coffee grounds, or even mustard powder in the cooling system to get that leak stopped. More recently someone may have told you to try a stop leak common on the shelves of most auto parts stores.

But a lot of those products

contain sodium silicate or liquid glass, the same ingredient they used to seize the engines during “Cash for Clunkers.” Sure the radiator might have been plugged but often other parts of the cooling system were too!

But hold on. What if there was a safe way for you to get your trusty friend back on the road for less than

TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018

0 4 9

SPOTLIGHT the cost of a KFC family meal? Well there is, with K-Seal Multi-Purpose Permanent Coolant Leak Repair. Made in the USA, K-Seal is a global bestselling cooling system leak sealer with over 6 million bottles sold. It’s a favorite with professional technicians and here’s what a few of them had to say about it recently: “It’s like magic. If it was the 17th century those who make it would be burned at the stake.”

“It’s about the only thing I’ve heard that works. We sell it by the caseload.”

“I’ve repaired many a car with K-Seal and I know it works.”

(Actual testimonial from independent market survey

Dec 2017) We asked Patrick O’Brien, CEO of K-Seal, what makes K-Seal different from all the other stop leaks on the shelf? “K-Seal is the next generation stop leak technology,” O’Brien said. “We’ve developed a ceramic microfiber formula that is safe to use with all types of coolant / antifreeze. Plus, K-Seal was the first multi-purpose formula designed to fix leaks in all hard parts of the cooling system, including the head, head gasket, block, radiator, heater core, water pump casing and freeze plug. It’s safe to use in all water cooled engines from motor cycles right up to heavy duty trucks, and

everything in between. It even fixed a leak on a Top Fuel dragster, and when K-Seal makes a repair it is permanent. It’s way beyond your Grandfather’s old stop leak.”

“K-Seal is the only product to have been independently university tested to the ASTM standard for coolant leak repair products.

This means it will seal a leak when it’s meant to but it positively will not block even the narrowest waterways in the cooling system. Plus K-Seal is safe for use with aluminium heads including the Northstar block.” www.kseal.com

“K-Seal is the next generation stopleak technology.”

--- Patrick O’Brien, CEO of K-Seal

TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018

0 5 0

Blown Head Gasket?

Cracked Engine Block?

Leaking Cooling System?

Fix it Fast with K-Seal Multi Purpose Pour & Go Coolant Leak Repair K-Seal will PERMANENTLY seal cracks/holes in the Head Gasket, Heater Core, Block/ Head, Radiator, Freeze Plug and Water Pump Casing. Works on Aluminum Heads.

K-Seal has been independently tested to meet ASTM D3147 works on hard plastic and safe for use with all water cooled engines.

AVAILABLE AT

and Most Fine Retailers MADE IN THE USA

Don’t Just Seal It, K-Seal It! kseal.com info@kseal.com 888.254.0150 ™

PREMIUM QUALITY

AUTOMOTIVE LUBRICANTS WITH...

THE

POWER

TO PROTECT No. 105 Motor Assembly Grease

• The “Original” Prelube for Installed Engine Parts.

• Prevents “Dry Start” During Initial Start Up. • Trusted By Top Engine Builders For Decades.

Chain & Cable Fluid - Penetrating Oil

• A Superior, Non-Gumming Penetrating Oil. • For Chains, Cables, Tools and General Lubrication.

• Loosens Rusty Nuts & Bolts. Also For Metalworking.

Spray Lube `A´ White Lithium Grease

• Sprays Like a Fluid, Congeals To A Grease.

• For Locks, Latches, Hinges, Battery Terminals and More.

• Creamy White Color - Correct For Classic Show Cars.

Gear Shield Extra Heavy

• Heavy-Duty, Extreme Pressure Spray Lubricant.

• For Gears, Pins, Bushings and Jack Screws.

• Excellent Fifth Wheel Lubricant for Trucks.

Biodegradable Penetrating Oil

• ECO-Friendly, Bio-Based, Multi-Purpose Lubricating Oil. • For Tools, Locks, Latches and General Lubrication.

• Displaces Moisture and Will Deliver a “Wet Start.”

SYNXTREME HD-2 Grease

• 100% Synthetic, Calcium Sulfonate Complex Formula.

• NLGI GC-LB Certified Wheel Bearing & Chassis Lube.

Visit Our Online Webstore At: www.lubriplate.com Also Available At:

Newark, NJ 07105 / Toledo, OH 43605 / 800-733-4755 LubeXpert@lubriplate.com / www.lubriplate.com

for store locations CARQUEST.com

FAVORITE FINDS

P.O.R. PRODUCTS HIGH-PERFORMANCE COATINGS MADE IN THE USA

T

hese state-of-the-art products form an impenetrable barrier that protects a variety of surfaces from water, chemicals, salt, UV rays, corrosive contaminants, and are designed for application directly on rusted or seasoned metal. POR-15® is the favorite product line of many top talents in the car restoration business and has been applied to vehicles and structures all around the world since the ’70s.

Learn more about the original permanent solution to rust at PORproducts.com.

HONDA GENERATORS

H

onda’s Super Quiet Series generators – the EU1000i, EU2000i, EU3000is, EU3000i Handi and EU7000is – are inverter-equipped, lightweight models that feature extremely quiet performance. Designed for the ultimate in quality, portability and convenience, these models are ideal for tailgating, camping or any trip to the great outdoors. Honda is proud to support several teams such as Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, StewartHaas Racing, Kyle Busch Motorsports and Rev Racing with EU series generator products that provide smooth, reliable power for their racing needs.

TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018

0 5 3

T S A L O T T BUIL

“

We can toss it, drop it, run it over and still be able to put it to work day after day. Worth every penny!”

B&B Lawn Care

DURABLE DESIGN EASY TO USE SPILL FREE NO MORE TIPPING ONE HANDED USE

NEVER SPILL AGAIN! The award winning SureCan was designed with you in mind.

It provides you with the best experience you’ll ever have with a gas can!

LEARN MORE >>

SureCanUSA.com

1

YEAR WARRANTY

Questions?

801-827-0500

FAVORITE FINDS

BUBBA BURGER

B

UBBA burger ® is sold in grocery stores throughout the United States as well as worldwide through the U.S. Military Commissary system. BUBBA burger ® is a natural choice for quality and convenience, using only the highest quality meat to produce our uniquely shaped, gluten-free BUBBA burgers®. You can take them right from your freezer to your grill or skillet and BUBBA burgers® come in many varieties to fit any taste. Race to your favorite local grocer’s freezer today and grab a box of BUBBA burgers® so that you are sure to have a winning race weekend! bubbafoods.com

BIG BED SR.

W

hen you are looking to haul long lumber, canoes, kayaks or just wanting to tailgate, the Big Bed Sr. is your answer! With small-box pickup trucks gaining popularity, this unique product will add feet to the length of your truck. It is covered with black powder coat to prevent rust, has multiple anchor points and is 4 feet across when open. The best feature of the Big Bed Sr. is its ability to fold up for easy storage. With the built-in carrying handle, the Big Bed Sr. easily fits in the back of your truck or a small area of your garage.

For more information and where to purchase the Big Bed Sr., call Erickson customer service at 1-888-546-4668 or visit ericksonmfg.com/big-bed.

TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018

0 5 5

FAVORITE FINDS

CAIN DAYTONA

C

ain Daytona is the latest release from Studio Tobac. The Jalapa Ligero is more refined than other Ligeros. Jalapa Ligero, plus Cain’s triple fermentation, makes Cain Daytona a medium to full-bodied, smooth, rich and flavorful smoke.

Making a Straight Ligero cigar requires a unique understanding of the leaf. Ligero comes from the top of the tobacco plant. Its direct exposure to the sun darkens and thickens the leaf. Smaller than leaves lower on the plant, it also enjoys a concentration of nutrients. Habano Seed Ligero is recognized as the most full flavored leaf. Additionally, the region in which this Habano Seed is grown plays a significant role in its flavor and strength.

Jalape Ligero is the smoothest of these powerhouses. Jalapa is the northern most tobacco region of Nicaragua. Jalapa Ligero is grown in a valley and enjoys less direct sun, the result is a full body leaf with a more noticeable range of flavor.

Cain Daytona is exclusively manufactured and distributed by Tabacalcera Oliva Cigar Co. Learn more at CainCigars.com.

BFGOODRICH RUGGED TERRAIN T/A

A

re you driver enough? Just because a tire looks good on your truck doesn’t mean you have to hear it on the highway. Introducing the BFGoodrich® Rugged Terrain T/A® tire – it sounds nothing like it looks.

Learn more at Walmart.com.

BFGoodrichTires.com © 2017 MNA, Inc. All rights reserved.

TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018

0 5 7

OUTDOORS UNLIKE ANY COOLER YOU HAVE EVER SEEN

WANDERER 30 & 45 QT • • • • •

Wearable cooler with comfortable and ventilated straps Tough and Lightweight Built in Bluetooth waterproof speaker Solar Charger and USB charging port Can hold ice for 7 days

SOLAR

POWERED CHARGING

STATION

ORDER YOURS TODAY AT

SOLAR

NEANDERTHAL TAILGATE.COM

POWERED

NEANDERTHAL OUTDOORS

STATION

410-453-6760

CHARGING

2018 SCHEDULE & RESULTS

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES DATE LOCATION

2/18/18 2/25/18 3/4/18 3/11/18 3/18/18 3/25/18 4/8/18 4/15/18 4/21/18 4/29/18 5/6/18 5/12/18 5/19/18 5/27/18 6/3/18 6/10/18 6/24/18 7/1/18 7/7/18 7/14/18 7/22/18 7/29/18 8/5/18 8/12/18 8/18/18 9/2/18 6/6/18 9/16/18 9/22/18 9/30/18 10/7/18 10/14/18 10/21/18 10/28/18 11/4/18 11/11/18 11/18/18

DAYTONA ATLANTA LAS VEGAS PHOENIX AUTO CLUB MARTINSVILLE TEXAS BRISTOL RICHMOND TALLADEGA DOVER KANSAS CHARLOTTE CHARLOTTE POCONO MICHIGAN SONOMA CHICAGOLAND DAYTONA KENTUCKY NEW HAMPSHIRE POCONO WATKINS GLEN MICHIGAN BRISTOL DARLINGTON INDIANAPOLIS LAS VEGAS RICHMOND CHARLOTTE DOVER TALLADEGA KANSAS MARTINSVILLE TEXAS MOTOR PHOENIX HOMESTEAD-MIAMI

TRACK

WINNER

DAYTONA 500 AUSTIN DILLON FOLDS OF HONOR QUIKTRIP 500 KEVIN HARVICK PENNZOIL 400 KEVIN HARVICK TICKETGUARDIAN 500 KEVIN HARVICK AUTO CLUB 400 MARTIN TRUEX JR. STP 500 CLINT BOWYER O’REILLY AUTO PARTS 500 KYLE BUSCH FOOD CITY 500 KYLE BUSCH TOYOTA OWNERS 400 KYLE BUSCH GEICO 500 AAA 400 DRIVE FOR AUTISM MENCS RACE AT KANSAS MENCS ALL-STAR RACE AT CHARLOTTE COCA-COLA 600 POCONO 400 FIREKEEPERS CASINO 400 TOYOTA/SAVE MART 350 MENCS RACE AT CHICAGOLAND COKE ZERO 400 QUAKER STATE 400 NEW HAMPSHIRE 301 GANDER OUTDOORS 400 GOBOWLING AT THE GLEN MENCS RACE AT MICHIGAN BASS PRO SHOPS NRA NIGHT RACE BOJANGLES’ SOUTHERN 500 BIG MACHINE BRICKYARD 400 SOUTH POINT 400 FEDERATED AUTO PARTS 400 BANK OF AMERICA 500 MENCS AT DOVER ALABAMA 500 HOLLYWOOD CASINO 400 FIRST DATA 500 AAA TEXAS 500 CAN-AM 500 FORD ECOBOOST 400

SUBSCRIBE TO NASCAR POLE POSITION

FIVE EDITIONS PLUS TWO BONUS GIFTS $19.95 PLUS SHIPPING & HANDLING THE 2017 PLAYOFF AND YEAR IN REVIEW MAGAZINES

POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM/BUY TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018

0 5 9

The Kurt Busch, name, likeness and signature, are used under license from Kurt Busch, Inc. The Stewart-Haas Racing® logo and the #41 State Water Heaters race car are trademarks of Stewart-Haas Racing and are used under license. © State Industries, LLC.

SHR LOGO USAGE:

Logo to be used for print, digital, and embroidery.

When embroiderd, logo should measure 3.875” wide x 1.225” tall in most instances.

COLORS:

644 Blue (Maderia Thread 1360)

White

Black

State Water Heaters is a proud sponsor of NASCAR® Champions Kurt Busch and the Stewart-Haas Racing team.

S TAT E WAT E R H E AT E R S . C O M

2018 SCHEDULE & RESULTS

XFINITY SERIES DATE LOCATION

2/17/18 2/24/18 3/3/18 3/10/18 3/17/18 4/7/18 4/14/18 4/20/18 4/28/18 5/5/18 5/26/18 6/2/18 6/9/18 6/16/18 6/30/18 7/6/18 7/13/18 7/21/18 7/28/18 8/4/18 8/11/18 8/17/18 8/25/18 9/1/18 9/8/18 9/15/18 9/21/18 9/29/18 10/6/18 10/20/18 10/28/18 11/3/18

DAYTONA ATLANTA LAS VEGAS PHOENIX AUTO CLUB TEXAS BRISTOL RICHMOND TALLADEGA DOVER CHARLOTTE POCONO MICHIGAN IOWA CHICAGOLAND DAYTONA KENTUCKY NEW HAMPSHIRE IOWA WATKINS GLEN MID-OHIO BRISTOL ROAD AMERICA DARLINGTON INDIANAPOLIS LAS VEGAS RICHMOND CHARLOTTE DOVER KANSAS MARTINSVILLE TEXAS

TRACK

WINNER

POWERSHARES QQQ 300 TYLER REDDICK RINNAI 250 KEVIN HARVICK BOYD GAMING 300 KYLE LARSON DC SOLAR 200 BRAD KESELOWSKI XFINITY SERIES RACE AT AUTO CLUB KYLE LARSON MY BARIATRIC SOLUTIONS 300 RYAN BLANEY FITZGERALD GLIDER KITS 300 RYAN PREECE TOYOTACARE 250 CHRISTOPHER BELL SPARKS ENERGY 300 ONEMAIN FINANCIAL 200 HISENSE 4K TV 300 POCONO GREEN 250 LTI PRINTING 250 AMERICAN ETHANOL E15 250 XFINITY SERIES RACE AT CHICAGOLAND COCA-COLA FIRECRACKER 250 ALSCO 300 LAKES REGION 200 U.S. CELLULAR 250 ZIPPO 200 MID-OHIO CHALLENGE FOOD CITY 300 JOHNSONVILLE 180 SPORTS CLIPS HAIRCUTS VFW 200 LILLY DIABETES 250 XFINITY SERIES RACE AT LAS VEGAS GO BOWLING 250 DRIVE FOR THE CURE 300 XFINITY SERIES RACE AT DOVER KANSAS LOTTERY 300 FIRST DATA 500 O’REILLY AUTO PARTS 300

SUBSCRIBE TO NASCAR POLE POSITION

FIVE EDITIONS PLUS TWO BONUS GIFTS $19.95 PLUS SHIPPING & HANDLING THE 2017 PLAYOFF AND YEAR IN REVIEW MAGAZINES

POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM/BUY TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018

0 6 1

2018 SCHEDULE & RESULTS

NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES WINNER

DATE LOCATION

TRACK

2/16/18 2/24/18 3/2/18 3/24/18 5/4/18 5/11/18 5/18/18 6/8/18 6/16/18 6/23/18 6/29/18 7/12/18 7/18/18 7/28/18 8/11/18 //15/18 8/26/18 9/14/18 10/13/18 10/27/18 11/2/18 11/9/18

NEXTERA ENERGY RESOURCES 250 JOHNNY SAUTER ACTIVE PEST CONTROL 200 BRETT MOFFITT CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES RACE AT LAS VEGAS KYLE BUSCH ALPHA ENERGY SOLUTIONS 250 JOHN H. NEMECHEK CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES RACE AT DOVER CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES RACE AT KANSAS NORTH CAROLINA EDUCATION LOTTERY 200 RATTLESNAKE 400 IOWA 200 CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES RACE AT GATEWAY CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES RACE AT CHICAGOLAND CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES RACE AT KENTUCKY ELDORA DIRT DERBY GANDER OUTDOORS 150 CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES RACE AT MICHIGAN UNOH 200 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 250 CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES RACE AT LAS VEGAS FRED’S 250 POWERED BY COCA-COLA TEXAS ROADHOUSE 200 JAG METALS 350 LUCAS OIL 150

DAYTONA ATLANTA LAS VEGAS MARTINSVILLE DOVER KANSAS CHARLOTTE TEXAS IOWA GATEWAY CHICAGOLAND KENTUCKY ELDORA POCONO MICHIGAN BRISTOL CANADIAN LAS VEGAS TALLADEGA MARTINSVILLE TEXAS PHOENIX

®

Building Relationships One Hand At A Time • TRUE WATER-LESS HAND CLEANER • QUICK AND EASY USE • EXCEPTIONAL CLEANER POWER • NON-DRYING/NON-GREASY • CONTAINS LANOLIN & PETROLEUM JELLY CALL 800.392.1792

|

TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018 GO TO: JOESHANDCLEANER.COM

0 6 3

2018 SCHEDULE & RESULTS

K&N PRO SERIES EAST DATE TRACK

2/11/18 4/14/18 4/28/18 5/12/18 6/2/18 6/16/18 7/14/18 7/21/18 7/27/18 8/3/18 8/24/18 9/22/18 10/5/18

NEW SMYRNA BRISTOL LANGLEY SOUTH BOSTON MEMPHIS NEW JERSEY THOMPSON NEW HAMPSHIRE IOWA WATKINS GLEN GATEWAY NEW HAMPSHIRE DOVER

WINNER

DATE TRACK

TODD GILLILAND TODD GILLILAND

3/15/18 5/5/18 5/19/18 6/9/18 6/23/18 6/30/18 7/15/18 7/27/18 8/11/18 8/24/18 9/13/18 9/29/18 10/13/18 10/27/18

3/17/18 4/8/18 4/29/18 6/2/18 6/13/18 6/23/18 7/7/18 7/20/18 7/21/18 8/3/18 8/8/18 8/15/18 9/1/18 9/8/18 9/22/18 9/30/18

MYRTLE BEACH THOMPSON STAFFORD SEEKONK THOMPSON LANGLEY RIVERHEAD NEW HAMPSHIRE NEW HAMPSHIRE STAFFORD THOMPSON BRISTOL OSWEGO RIVERHEAD NEW HAMPSHIRE STAFFORD

KERN TUCSON ORANGE COLORADO SONOMA DOUGLAS SPOKANE IOWA EVERGREEN GATEWAY LAS VEGAS MERIDIAN ALL AMERICAN KERN

WINNER

DEREK KRAUS

PINTY’S

WHELEN MODIFIED DATE TRACK

K&N PRO SERIES WEST

WINNER

DATE TRACK

JON MCKENNEDY JUSTIN BONSIGNORE

5/20/18 6/16/18 6/30/18 7/14/18 7/25/18 7/28/18 8/12/18 8/18/18 8/26/18 9/8/18 9/22/18 9/29/18

WINNER

CANADIAN JUKASA AUTODROME PINTY’S TORONTO WYANT EDMONTON CIRCUIT TROIS-RIVIERES ANTIGONISH, N.S. CANADIAN ST. EUSTACHE, QUE. NEW HAMPSHIRE HAMILTON, ONT.

SUBSCRIBE TO NASCAR POLE POSITION

FIVE EDITIONS PLUS TWO BONUS GIFTS $19.95 PLUS SHIPPING & HANDLING THE 2017 PLAYOFF AND YEAR IN REVIEW MAGAZINES

POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM/BUY TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018

0 6 5

Find the right bulbs for your vehicle at sylvania-automotive.com

SilverStar ULTRA headlights.

High performance and safety have rarely coexisted so perfectly. ®

Light is safety No matter what kind of car you drive, you need to confidently see farther down the road at night. SilverStar ® ULTRA is our farthest downroad headlight and fits over 90% of vehicles on the road.

Choose SilverStar ® ULTRA for everything ahead of you.

©2018 OSRAM SYLVANIA *Compared to SYLVANIA BASIC and the SYLVANIA family of halogen headlights.

2018 SCHEDULE & RESULTS

WHELEN EURO SERIES DATE TRACK

4/13/18 4/14/18 4/15/18 5/18/18 5/19/18 5/20/18 6/9/18 6/10/18 6/30/18 7/1/18 9/14/18 9/15/18 9/16/18 10/19/18 10/20/18 10/21/18

VALENCIA, SPAIN VALENCIA, SPAIN VALENCIA, SPAIN FRANCIACORTA, ITALY FRANCIACORTA, ITALY FRANCIACORTA, ITALY BRANDS HATCH, UK BRANDS HATCH, UK TOURS, FRANCE TOURS, FRANCE HOCKENHEIM, GERMANY HOCKENHEIM, GERMANY HOCKENHEIM, GERMANY ZOLDER, BELGIUM ZOLDER, BELGIUM ZOLDER, BELGIUM

WINNER

ALON DAY WILFRED BOUCENNA WILFRED BOUCENNA

FROM RUST TO FINISH Permanent Professional Restoration Products

FROM

RUST TO FINISH

FROM

FROM TO TO

RUST RUST FINISH FINISH

Permanent Restoration Permanent Restoration Products for Professionals Products for Professionals

2018 CATALOG 2018 AUTOMOTIVE

CATALOG

AUTOMOTIVE

MEXICO SERIES DATE TRACK

3/25/18 4/22/18 5/20/18 6/10/18 7/8/18 7/29/18 8/19/18 9/9/18 9/30/18 10/21/18 11/11/18 12/2/18

WINNER

MONTERREY HOMERO RICHARDS POTOSINO IRWIN VENCES EL DORADO DE CAJITITLAN MIGUEL E. ABED AGUASCALIENTES LA UNION GANADERA MIGUEL E. ABED CHIAPAS AGUASCALIENTES CAJITITLAN HERMANOS RODRIGUEZ

MADE IN

USA

NEW

MATTE Clear Coat A high-performance low sheen protective clear coat formulated to apply evenly and resist scuffing.

For promotions and where to buy www.PORproducts.com / nascar /

©2018 Paint Over Rust Products, Inc. All rights reserved. ®POR-15 and P.O.R. Products are registered trademarks of Paint Over Rust Products, Inc. © Factory Five Licensing, car image used with permission

TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018

0 6 7

Book your Fall 2018 Race package now!

September 14 - 16, 2018

Book your Spring 2019 Race package now!

March 2019

Visit BoydEvents.com/NASCAR or call 888-582-6278

IT’S GOOD TO B THRILLED

SM

ı

BoydGaming300.com

CREDITS

ROAR! WEEKLY RACE MAGAZINE 11880 28TH ST. N, SUITE 101 ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33716 PHONE: (727) 209-0792 FAX: (727) 209-1776 ROAR! SITE: POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM CORPORATE: AE-ENGINE.COM EMAIL: ROAR@AE-ENGINE.COM

BUSINESS DEPARTMENT

PUBLISHER: CRAIG BARONCELLI EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, SALES: DAVID WATSON VICE PRESIDENT, EXECUTIVE ACCOUNTS: DAYNE MAASDORP VICE PRESIDENT, MOTORSPORTS: CHRIS VITA SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: JOHN ENGLE, PETER GILCHRIEST, JOHN GALLUP, DENNIS FASONE, JUSTIN HAND, CHRIS DIZE, MARK MORALES

EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT

ART DIRECTOR: JASON TEDESCHI GRAPHIC DESIGNER: STACEY FOSTER WEB DEVELOPER: NICOLE COOPER MANAGING EDITOR: DAN GUTTENPLAN WRITERS: JARED TURNER, BEN WHITE, JOSEPH WOLKIN SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALISTS: AUSTIN HERSH, VIKASH SINGH, HANNAH RENKE,SAGAR GUPTA, NICHOLAS FASANO

AVAILABLE NOW: TALLADEGA MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM UPDATES & POSTERS TWITTER @NPPMAG

A.E. ENGINE SPECIFIES THAT POSTPUBLISHING CHANGES MAY OCCUR TO ANY INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PUBLICATION AND TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR GOODS OR SERVICES ADVERTISED. SUBSCRIPTIONS: YOUR FREE SUBSCRIPTIONS CAN BE ORDERED ONLINE AT POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM. SALES INQUIRIES: IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING IN ROAR! WEEKLY RACE MAGAZINE OR WOULD LIKE TO BECOME A FIELD REPRESENTATIVE, PLEASE CONTACT DAVID WATSON AT (727) 209-0789, OR DKW@AE-ENGINE.COM.

FACEBOOK NASCAR POLE POSITION

TALLADEGA PREVIEW: APRIL 27, 2018

0 6 9